Why You Should Ask About Girl Scout Cookies in Your Interview

Girl Scout Cookies are awesome — but not just because they’re delicious. For Girl Scouts, they help teach valuable lessons. And for you? They can help tell you who you should hire!

You know those intangible qualities you try to measure during an interview? Things like how a candidate’s personality will fit in your culture or if their work style will mesh well with the team. It can be tough to judge these factors during the 30 or 60 minutes of an interview. And the interviewees are often nervous, too, making it harder to see what they’re really like.

Lighten the mood by asking them this fun question: Which Girl Scout Cookie is your favorite?

Here’s what their answers can tell you.

Thin Mints: Classic and popular, these cookies are sure to make an appearance at every party. But don’t mistake them for boring — people who pick Thin Mints will be a cool and refreshing addition to your team.

Caramel deLites / Samoas: These caramel- and coconut-covered treats are definitely an indulgence. Choosing Samoas means that a person isn't afraid to enjoy a few luxuries. This doesn’t make them an undisciplined worker, though. Knowing when to let loose a little can be the sign of a well-balanced employee.

Peanut Butter Patties / Tagalongs: Chocolate and peanut butter: two great tastes that go great together. Folks who opt for these cookies know how to create combinations that are even better than their individual parts.

Shortbread / Trefoils: Along with Thin Mints and Do-si-dos, Trefoils are required by the Girl Scouts’ licensed bakers. So even though these shortbread cookies can seem a little plain next to the fancier varieties, don’t be fooled — you need them.

Do-si-dos / Peanut Butter Sandwich: These peanut butter cookies are a perennial favorite. Unfortunately, because of allergies, some people just can’t stomach them, so you’ll have to be careful about incompatible personalities.

Rah-Rah Raisins: With whole grain oats, raisins, and Greek yogurt-flavored chunks, these cookies might get a bum rap for being healthy (read: boring). Someone who picks this variety has good judgment and knows better than to overlook a person or idea just because they don’t seem exciting.

Thanks-A-Lot: With “Thank You” embossed in five different languages, these cookies embrace all cultures. If your interviewee chooses this variety, then they know how to value people’s differences — as well as some good old-fashioned appreciation.

Trios: The first gluten-free Girl Scout Cookie, Trios — and those who identify with them — don’t overlook the unique needs of the minority. Maybe their skills aren’t useful in every single situation, but when you need them, you’ll be glad you’ve got them.

Who knew Girl Scout Cookies could be one of your best recruitment strategies?

This post was written by Dora Wang

Dora is an employee engagement researcher for TINYpulse and managing editor of TINYinstitute. Having grown up in Texas, she is now firmly settled in Seattle, where she spends her free time reading comic books, wrangling her three cats, and (of course) rooting for the Seahawks.